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Quantifying Temperature Effects On Developmental Rate And Plant Quality Of Compact Container-Grown Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum), Morgan Humphrey

Horticulture Undergraduate Honors Theses

Mean daily temperature effects on plant development rates and quality were evaluated for compact container-grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Compact tomato varieties ‘Siam’ and ‘Red Velvet’ were grown in greenhouses at 18 to 26 °C (Experiment 1) and 20 to 30 °C (Experiment 2) under supplemental high-pressure sodium lighting and 16-hour photoperiod. The number of days to first open flower, first ripe fruit, and from flower to ripe fruit were measured and development rates calculated by taking the reciprocal (e.g. 1/days). Temperature effects were predicted by fitting a linear (for first open flower) and a nonlinear exponential function (for …

Latitudinal Gradients In Arctic Willows And Their Effects On Stream-Riparian Systems, Donal Heaney

Honors Scholar Theses

Extreme warming in the Arctic due to climate change presents the opportunity to study rapid changes to ecosystems and their potential resilience. Willow (Salix) shrubs form the base of many Arctic riparian ecosystems, and they have increased in height and range as temperatures have warmed. The effects of warming on willows could alter riparian ecosystems and neighboring streams, so understanding how climate change will affect willows is integral to understanding how the stream-riparian meta-ecosystem might change. I used data from the EvoME Institute to compare willow canopy cover above Arctic streams along a latitudinal transect and investigate how …

Survival, Biofilm Formation, And Control Of Foodborne Pathogens In Hydroponic Systems, Sai Rithin Reddy Kothur Thirupathi

Theses and Dissertations

The growing global population and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns have intensified the demand for sustainable food production methods. Hydroponics, a form of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), has gained attention as a viable solution due to its efficient use of resources such as land and water. Although hydroponic systems are perceived as safer alternatives to conventional farming, recent foodborne outbreaks associated with these systems have raised significant public health concerns. This thesis research investigated the food safety risk in hydroponic, particularly the survival and persistence of foodborne pathogens. Chapters I and II provide a comprehensive overview of hydroponics and the microbial …

A Comparative Study Of Urban And Natural Nesting Gray Hawks In The Lower Rio Grande Valley Of South Texas, Evan Farese

Theses and Dissertations

Urbanization can negatively impact birds of prey, which occupy higher trophic levels. The Gray Hawk (Buteo plagiatus) is a neotropical raptor inhabiting the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas, where it is threatened. The species’ ecology has been little studied and it is unclear how urbanization may affect population viability. I studied Gray Hawk reproductive success, diet, and thermal ecology at nests in urban and natural habitats in the LRGV. Camera trap data showed adults at urban nests delivered mostly avian prey, while mammalian prey was most frequently brought to natural nests. Data from temperature loggers showed …

Knowledge And Perceptions About Feeding And Growth In Infants And Young Children Among Early Interventionists, Kayla Chambers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nutrition plays a vital role in early childhood, where rapid growth and development occur. This study investigates Early Interventionists’ (EIs) nutrition knowledge and perceptions of nutrition-related concerns in children receiving services through the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS). An electronic survey was distributed to EIs in Tennessee to assess their nutrition knowledge and perceptions and to identify nutrition concerns. Findings revealed that most EIs have never received any nutrition education, despite being asked for nutrition guidance by families and being open to nutrition-related training. The EIs reported seeing nutrition concerns such as growth delays, food refusal, and picky eating, but …

Effects Of Snacking Habits On Overall Health And Cognition Of University Students, Kelly Shaw

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Title: Effects of Snacking Habits on Overall Health and Cognition of University Students

Authors: Shaw, K., Tolar-Peterson, T., & Malik, N.

Affiliation: College of Natural Sciences, Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, California State University, San Bernardino 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407

Background and Aims: Snack consumption is increasing, and university students may be particularly susceptible to unhealthy snacking habits. Snacking patterns may affect students’ academic performance, mood, or body weight. This study assessed students’ snacking habits and its relationship with grade point average (GPA), mood, body mass index (BMI), and food insecurity.

Methods: Using an …

Awareness And Attitudes Toward Diabetes Among Students In The California State University System, Cesar Fajardo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Aims: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been increasing globally. Studies examining patient awareness and attitudes toward diabetes have been conducted and found that diabetes education does increase patient knowledge but has no effect on attitudes. Additionally, many of these studies did not assess university students’ views on type 2 diabetes. Given that type 2 diabetes incidence is increasing among young adults, more attention must be given to this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate CSUSB students' understanding and attitudes toward type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using electronic surveys with …

The Forest Through The Trees: Modeling The Ecological Niche And Potential Assemblage Distribution Of Oak-Hickory Forests Across The Eastern U.S., Elijah Worley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Understanding how tree species’ ranges and populations may shift by the end of the 21^st Century is critical for effective conservation and forest management. Ecological niche models are widely used to predict species distributions by modeling the relationships between environmental variables and species presence. While numerous models have been developed for individual tree species across the USA, there is limited research on how tree species assemblages, such as oak-hickory forests, will respond to changes in climate over time. Maxent modeling software was used to predict potential shifts in suitable habitat for the oak-hickory forest type, based on environmental variables …

African Sleeping Sickness: From Basic Biology To Future Directions, Riddhi R. Patel

All Theses

African Sleeping Sickness is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) which poses a significant health risk to impoverished populations in 36 Sub-Saharan African countries. It is a devastating disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which is transmitted to mammals via the bite of infected tsetse flies. The disease manifests in two stages: the hemolymphatic stage and the meningoencephalitic stage. In the latter stage, it invades the Central Nervous System (CNS) and can be fatal if left untreated. It is caused by morphologically indistinguishable species of Trypanosoma brucei in both humans and animals, where in humans it is known as …

Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation As A Non-Chemical Management Option Against Fungi And Heterotrophic Bacteria In Organic Sweetpotato Production, Meredith Tucker

All Theses

North Carolina is the largest producer of sweetpotatoes in the United States, with South Carolina increasing farming acreage to 2,501 in 2022 compared to 1,300 in 2017. Growers producing conventional and organic sweetpotatoes are equally challenged with managing fungal pathogens due to fungicide resistance or fungicides being unavailable due to environmental regulations, leading many to shift to growing organic crops. Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is a non-chemical pre-plant management option that uses a carbon amendment, irrigation, and plasticulture to establish an anaerobic environment in soils, killing soil microbes. A greenhouse study was conducted to assess ASD on fungal pathogens and …

Impact Of Temperature And Microbial Infection On The Honey Bee Hemocytes, Michael E. Oeth

Master's Theses

Introduction

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) rely on hemocytes for immunity, wound healing, and hemolymph homeostasis. While 32°C reflects optimal hive conditions, suboptimal temperatures (22°C) and stressors like pathogens (Varroa destructor, bacteria) or pesticides impair hemocyte function. Using clodronate liposomes (CLD) to deplete hemocytes, we assessed how immune suppression interacts with these stressors.

Methods

Newly emerged (5-day-old) and older (15-day-old) bees were assigned to: CLD, control liposomes (LP), PBS, injection wound, or no treatment. Cohorts were exposed to 32°C (optimal) or 22°C (stressful for non-immunosuppressed bees). Fifteen-day-old bees were challenged with Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus. Survival, hemolymph volume, and hemocyte …

Interventions Of Eating Habits And Healthy Behaviors, Diego Armando Mazariegos Espinosa

Undergraduate Honors Theses

About thirty to fifty percent of college students report having negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, hopelessness, shame, fear, and more. And over seventy percent feel exhausted or overwhelmed by schoolwork. According to scholarly research, these emotions pose obstacles during college life impacting the eating habits and healthy behaviors of college students. These habits can have a possibility of bringing lifelong issues in social, educational, and self-esteem aspects. Technology has revolutionized the world in a spectacular way in a short period of time. As students today have access to all sorts of technology like phones and computers, the …

Exploring Factors That Contribute To Poverty Among Singleparent Households Headed By Latinas: A Qualitative Study, Jeffrey M. Balencia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Despite the new strategies and programs being developed and implemented, poverty still finds itself at a continuous increase yearly (Banovcinova et al., 2014). Families have been found to be the most susceptible group compared to everyone else due to the many factors they face that can affect them. By using the information provided by other articles, gaps identified is there are lack of studies on the factors that contribute to poverty among singleparent households headed by Latinas. Objective: This exploratory study aims to identify contributing factors to poverty among single-parent households headed by Latinas. Method: Qualitative data will be …

Population Dynamics, Life History Characteristics, And Environmental Drivers Of Neomysis Americana In The Damariscotta River Estuary, Allison Fogg Ms '25

All Student Scholarship

Mysid shrimp (Neomysis americana) play a pivotal role in estuarine food webs by linking primary producers to higher trophic levels and serving as an important food source for commercially valuable fish. Despite their ecological significance, mysids are often under sampled, leading to gaps in our understanding of their population dynamics and life history traits. My study investigated N. americana over a full year (June 2023 to May 2024) in the temperate Damariscotta River Estuary in Maine. My research focused on how environmental factors such as temperature, turbidity, salinity, chlorophyll-a, and zooplankton biomass affect mysid density and reproduction. Temperature emerged as …

Author Correction: Predictive Equation Derived From 6,497 Doubly Labelled Water Measurements Enables The Detection Of Erroneous Self-Reported Energy Intake, Rania Bajunaid, Chaoqun Niu, Catherine Hambly, Zongfang Liu, Yosuke Yamada, Heliodoro Aleman-Mateo, Liam J Anderson, Lenore Arab, Issad Baddou, Linda Bandini, Kweku Bedu-Addo, Ellen E Blaak, Carlijn V C Bouten, Soren Brage, Maciej S Buchowski, Nancy F Butte, Stefan G J A Camps, Regina Casper, Graeme L Close, Jamie A Cooper, Richard Cooper, Sai Krupa Das, Peter S W Davies, Prasangi Dabare, Lara R Dugas, Simon Eaton, Ulf Ekelund, Sonja Entringer, Terrence Forrester, Barry W Fudge, Melanie Gillingham, Annelies H Goris, Michael Gurven, Asmaa El Hamdouchi, Hinke H Haisma, Daniel Hoffman, Marije B Hoos, Sumei Hu, Noorjehan Joonas, Annemiek M Joosen, Peter Katzmarzyk, Misaka Kimura, William E Kraus, Wantanee Kriengsinyos, Rebecca Kuriyan, Robert F Kushner, Estelle V Lambert, Pulani Lanerolle, Christel L Larsson, William R Leonard, Nader Lessan, Marie Löf, Corby K Martin, Eric Matsiko, Anine C Medin, James C Morehen, James P Morton, Aviva Must, Marian L Neuhouser, Theresa A Nicklas, Christine D Nyström, Robert M Ojiambo, Kirsi H Pietiläinen, Yannis P Pitsiladis, Jacob Plange-Rhule, Guy Plasqui, Ross L Prentice, Susan B Racette, David A Raichlen, Eric Ravussin, Leanne M Redman, John J Reilly, Rebecca Reynolds, Susan B Roberts, Dulani Samaranayakem, Luis B Sardinha, Analiza M Silva, Anders M Sjödin, Marina Stamatiou, Eric Stice, Samuel S Urlacher, Ludo M Van Etten, Edgar G A H Van Mil, George Wilson, Jack A Yanovski, Tsukasa Yoshida, Xueying Zhang, Alexia J Murphy-Alford, Srishti Sinha, Cornelia U Loechl, Amy H Luke, Herman Pontzer, Jennifer Rood, Hiroyuki Sagayama, Dale A Schoeller, Klaas R Westerterp, William W Wong, John R Speakman

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Antimicrobial Eats: How Food Additives Are Contributing To Obesity Via The Gut Microbiome, Olivia Mankos

Senior Honors Theses

The typical modern diet is brimming with food additives used in food processing. Additives such as antibiotic residues, GMOs, pesticide residues, anti-caking agents, emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, colorants, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. Most of these additives seem to shift the gut microbiome towards more pro-inflammatory signals. When all these additives are considered as an amalgam, such as with the modern processed diet, the ramifications on the gut microbiome are concerning. Obesity, which is characterized by low-level chronic inflammation, is likely exacerbated by these food additives. Consequently, most of these additives should be avoided or banned for optimal health.

The Evolving Changes In The Regionalization Of Export Bans On U.S. Poultry Trade From The 2015 And 2022 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Events, Kylie A. Roesler

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As food security becomes a growing concern worldwide in a trading system dominated by globalization, the safeguarding of a bio-secure food system is at risk. One of the greatest risks to this stability of the system is, highly pathogenic avian influenza or HPAI which is growing in frequency and impact. Therefore, the global response to disease events is evolving into a newfound understanding of disease prevalence across the animal protein industries. This study will analyze the 2022 HPAI event in the United States regarding the regionalization of restrictions imposed by trading partners accounting for trade agreements executed. The examination of …

Physiological And Molecular Responses Of Diverse Rice Genotypes Under Drought Stress, Huda Mohmmed Alshaya

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Climate change-induced drought stress is a significant constraint on global rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, threatening food security. This study evaluated the drought resilience of 15 diverse rice genotypes from the USDA mini-core collection under field, greenhouse, and osmotic stress conditions. Field trials assessed reproductive-stage drought tolerance based on panicle length (PL), number of spikelets per panicle (NSP), and spikelet sterility (SS). Greenhouse experiments examined moisture retention at the vegetative stage. Significant genotypic variation was observed, with genotypes 310724, 310779, 311181, 311603, 311793, and Vandana exhibiting drought tolerance through stable PL and SS. Additionally, genotypes 310100, 310428, 311255, N22, …

Lefitolimod In Combination With Ipilimumab In Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors: A Phase I Trial, Mirella Nardo, Mohamed A Gouda, Matthew J Reilley, Amadeo B Biter, Joann Lim, Stacie A Bean, Ly M Nguyen, Priya R Bhosale, Casey R Ager, Coline A Couillault, Sarina A Piha-Paul, Siqing Fu, Apostolia M Tsimberidou, Timothy A Yap, Aung Naing, Jordi Rodon, Vivek Subbiah, Daniel D Karp, Michael A Curran, David S Hong

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: TLR9 agonists are immunomodulators that have been of interest for combined use with cancer immunotherapy. TLR9 agonists, such as lefitolimod (MGN1703), significantly increased Th1 response in preclinical models and have demonstrated efficacy in early clinical trials. This trial assessed the safety and preliminary efficacy of the combination of lefitolimod and ipilimumab in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Methods: This was a single-center, open-label, investigator-initiated phase I trial conducted at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Patients received leftolimod either subcutaneously (at escalating doses of 15-120 mg) or intratumorally (at the maximum feasible dose) in combination with ipilimumab …

Assessing The Implicit Prices Of Health And Wellness Product Attributes In Pet Food: A Hedonic Analysis Approach, Lonnie Hobbs Jr., Andrew Anderson

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Here we examine product attributes present in dry dog food to show there exist potential price premiums and discounts associated with health and wellness attributes in dry dog food. The findings indicate price premiums are associated with attributes related to digestion and allergy care. Pricing discounts are found to be associated with immune support and dental attributes. The results of this study are anticipated to be a starting point for more sophisticated and dynamic analysis of pricing and willingness-to-pay studies in the pet food industry.

Engineering An In Vitro Hipsc-Derived Cardiac Tissue Construct For Regenerative Medicine Applications, Larry Mendoza

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality across the world with invasive surgeries and pharmaceutical intervention commonly associated with urgent care. Moreover, congenital, progressive, and hereditary heart diseases rely on many forms of medical prevention and intervention (pharmaceuticals, x-rays, bloodwork, etc.). Developing a three-dimensional (3D) cardiac tissue engineered in vitro model to study human cardiac physiology can revolutionize biomedical research. The purpose of this research is to optimize natural & synthetic biomaterials to fuse cardiac stem cells and synthesize a 3D-printed in vitro model for disease modeling, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. Natural biopolymers needed for such innovations are …

Impact Of Water Quality On The Nutritional And Phytochemical Properties Of Culinary Herbs, Genesis Arroyo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Water quality significantly affected food safety, especially since contaminated water impacted crop growth and the nutrient composition of foods. Nitrates occur naturally in vegetables. However, when introduced into the food supply through water contamination, excessive levels disrupted the natural physiological processes of vegetables and other agricultural plants. These excessive levels eventually led to nutrient imbalances, decreased phytochemical concentrations, and potential health risks such as the formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds in humans. This study evaluated the effects of nitrates on the nutritional outcomes of food crops, focusing on commonly used culinary herbs. While synthesizing findings from relevant peer-reviewed articles, I …

Investigation Into Mycorrhizae Associated With Native Venus' Flytrap Root Tissue, Anna Carnaggio

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dionaea muscipula, a plant commonly known as the Venus' flytrap, is found native to the southeast corner of North Carolina and the northeast corner of South Carolina. Several populations of native Venus' flytraps are known to exist in the nutrient-poor peat bog conditions in and around Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve (LOBHP) in Northeastern South Carolina. Anthropogenic pressures in Horry County, specifically surrounding LOBHP, have resulted in a loss of habitat for several native and endangered species. As a result, conservation efforts are focused on relocating native Venus' flytraps into adjacent habitats to ensure survival. This is only a temporary …

Investigate The Use Of Nucleic Acids As Pesticides To Manage Major Pests And Pathogens Of Crops In South Carolina, Prasanna Valavanur Shekar

All Dissertations

The sugarcane aphid (SCA, Melanaphis sorghi), first discovered on grain sorghum in late 2013, has gradually become a major insect pest of sorghum. It inflicts significant damage to the crop year after year, causing millions of dollars in losses throughout the sorghum-producing regions of the United States. Similarly, Armillaria root rot—also referred to as oak root rot—is a major cause of decline in peach (Prunus persica) production in the southeastern United States. This disease is caused by Armillaria mellea and Armillaria tabescens. Current management practices for controlling M. sorghi include the use of synthetic pesticides, resistant varieties, and regular scouting. …

High-Throughput Phenotyping Of Early Generation Small Grains Breeding Lines To Indirectly Select For Grain Yield, Dalton Jones

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In small grains breeding programs, breeders aim to develop better varieties by selecting for important traits like grain yield. However, it takes many years before yield can be measured because several generations of selection are required to fix lines and increase sufficient seed for yield measurements. This process can be slow and expensive

High-throughput phenotyping (HTP) is a modern approach that can increase breeding efficiency by leveraging technology to quickly measure secondary traits which can be used to indirectly select for important traits in crop plants. For example, researchers can use cameras on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, i.e., drones) to …

Influence Of Physical Properties Of Fat On Product Quality, Shelf-Life And Consumer Acceptance Of Chocolate-Coated Products, Audrey Lidgard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In chocolate-coated products, oil migration in fats can lead to chocolate softening, filling hardening, discoloration, and lower consumer acceptance. This study examined three different fats (soy- palm-, and palm-kernel (PK) based), crystallized under different conditions (cooling rate and use of high intensity ultrasound (HIU)) to examine how the crystallization conditions impact the physical properties of confectionery products. These conditions produced fats with high and low oil binding capacities (OBCs); the ability of crystal networks to entrap liquid oil. Model systems were created to examine measurable quality degradation and consumer acceptance of chocolates placed in contact with the fats; one with …

Seeding Rate, Planting Date, And Herbicides For Dormant Seeded Safflower In Utah, Rodney Daniel Nelson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Dryland crop production in the Intermountain West is largely limited by the amount of precipitation received. Increasing dryland safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) production yields in a semi-arid climate is possible with a dormant planting but is not well understood. A two-year (2020-22) project was designed to gain an understanding of the effects of variety, seeding rate, and planting date, on dormant seeded safflower. Chemical weed control options for safflower were also evaluated. One study, conducted at three Utah State University research farms near Blue Creek, Clarkston, and Kaysville, UT, evaluated four varieties, S-208, S-333, 7325 and Hybrid-446, seeded at …

Exploring The Utilization Of Benefits And Participation Experiences Among Immigrants And Refugees In Wic Program: A Mixed-Method Study, Melissa Murillo Timoschenco

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Food insecurity is a critical issue globally and in the United States. The USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aims to address this by improving the nutrition of low-income pregnant women and children. However, immigrants and refugees, who are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, often encounter barriers to accessing WIC benefits. This study aimed to: i) evaluate how immigrant and refugee families in Utah utilize WIC benefits, and ii) explore their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improving the program. This mixed-method study combined surveys with 116 participants and in-depth interviews with 25 participants. Surveys were …

Seasonal And Temporal Influences On Successful Crossing Rates By Ungulates Of A North Utah Wildlife Overpass, Blake Ledbetter

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Encroachment of human infrastructure fragments wild landscapes and introduces a suite of negative impacts for humans and wildlife. In Utah, roadways threaten migratory ungulates by creating a barrier to movements and preventing access to seasonal migration routes. To mitigate these conflicts, state transportation agencies often install wildlife crossing structures to allow animals to safely cross over or under roadways. Selecting the proper crossing structure requires consideration of the species of interest, landscape, location, and structural dimensions. Often there is balance between the optimal location, the dimensions of the crossing structures, and what is feasible given the landscape. In 2018, the …

Novel Horticultural Approaches For Reduced Gravity And Controlled Environment Agriculture, Sarah Elizabeth Schreck

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 achieved the first successful moon landing, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration. This historic moment effectively ended the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, and since then, countries around the world have continued to advance their space programs. While the space race has evolved, the next major challenge lies in sending humans to Mars—a journey that could take 6 to 9 months each way, presenting numerous challenges, including the critical issue of nutritional sustainment for the crew.

This thesis addresses key aspects of a broader effort to support …